Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to consider establishing the necessary legal arrangements for potential UK participation in Operation Althea in advance of any operational requirement, without prejudging any future decision by the United Kingdom to deploy military personnel.

The Security and Defence Partnership agreed with the European Union is an example of this Government delivering on its commitments to strengthen European security, support growth and reinforce NATO.

The Security and Defence Partnership outlines that the UK will consider its participation in EU CSDP civilian and military crisis management activity. This cooperation can take many forms and officials are in discussions with the EU to explore potential options. Discussions on the necessary framework to support engagement with the EU’s civilian missions are underway.

The Government is supportive of the role EUFOR Althea has in driving regional security, and will continue to endorse the renewal of its mandate at the UN.